ABSTRACT

 Increased productivity, marketing and consumption of fruits and vegetables were recommended, but in West Africa we lack adequate food that is rich in nutrients needed by man for health and reproductive life. This study aim at determining the ways or strategies for improving the consumption of fruits and vegetables in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The study also seek to examine the types of fruits and vegetables that are consumed and grown in the study area, various ways and/or strategies for improving the consumption of fruits and vegetables by mothers in the study area. The data were generated by individual interview using structured questionnaire. 760 copies of the questionnaires was prepared and distributed, out of which 700 copies were collected by the researcher. Respondents (mothers) were cross examined through out the communities within the study area. The data was supplemented by secondary data collected from the Local Government Council Headquarter concerning the distribution of household within the study area. Percentage was used to analyze the data collected. The results revealed that most fruits and vegetables consumed are grown from the study area while some of the fruits and vegetables were exported to other parts of the country. The results of the finding indicate that the respondents export their fruits vegetables grown and harvested to other neighboring locality for income generation. From the study, awareness should be made to mother and the general public on the nutritive values of the consumption of fruit and processed fruits and vegetables through enlightenment campaign, mass media etc in the study area and beyond.